Honoring the Fallen

Posted on May 28, 2012

A bit of a deviation from our normal format today. I’ve still got the link for today’s readings at the bottom of this post. And, of course, I encourage you to read them. There is, as always, much richness. I want to take a moment to ruminate on the holiday that we celebrate in the U.S. today, Memorial Day; a day when we honor those men and women who have given their lives in service to our country.

I have never been in the military. I was fortunate enough to come of age shortly after the draft ended in the Vietnam War era. So I don’t have first hand experience from which to speak. But I have always been an American. I have always enjoyed the freedoms for which our military brothers and sisters have fought. And I have always been, still am today, and always will be, grateful.

The sacrifices that our military personnel make are great. And today we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We who are Christians should be especially thankful. These brave men and women show us an example of how to live the Christian life. Because the Christian life is one of sacrifice. Our leader, Christ Jesus, gave us the prime example of that. So please remember in your prayers today all those who have given their all for you. Pray for their souls. Pray for their families. And thank God that, because of their heroism, we enjoy freedom today.

Father, we thank you all those who have given their lives in service of our nation. We pray that they gave their lives not only in service to their country, but to You. Bless their families and keep us always grateful. Amen.